Friday Five

It's been crazy busy in Jess world and I haven't blogged in over a week. WTH? In an attempt to bring you up to speed, here's the five thoughts on my mind this Friday...

1. MARATHON PREP
This morning, I banged out 18 miles, the final long training run for the Route 66 Marathon (Nov. 18). It feels so good to have the long run done with the whole weekend before me. I think tonight I'll enjoy a beer, something I rarely do on a Friday night.  The run itself felt good, but not great. I wasn't in the mood to run this morning, but thankfully bailing wasn't an option. It was my only run window with hubby working all weekend. Similar to last weekend's 22 miler, I felt sluggish, heavy and slow. However, once the run was done, my body felt good. That's a good sign of my current endurance I guess. So now I enter the taper... relax, let my muscles recover and most importantly, figure out what to wear on race day.

2.  SPINNING CERTIFICATION
This past May, I took the Spinning certification class. We had six months to practice the skills and teaching methods, and then take the assessment exam.  I passed the exam last week with flying colors and received my official certification card today!  I am so excited to start teaching... and very appreciative that my health club is giving me the chance to teach. I'm on the schedule to teach my first class on December 1. Whoop!

3. NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
I love the Big Apple and the hustle bustle of that amazing city. I even like the brutal honesty in which New Yorkers speak. So it is painful to watch the devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought to all parts along the east coast. There is so much controversy regarding the NYC Marathon this weekend. Honestly, I can understand the viewpoint from both sides. It's a no win situation. However, it's disappointing to read the angry harsh words lashed out in the social media.  Since it is out of my control (and probably yours as well), I'd encourage everyone to save their fighting words and instead act to help those Americans in need. If you can't be present on the east coast to physically help with recovery work, put your money where your mouth is... consider a donation to the American Red Cross (here), or the NY Mayor's Fund (here). The NYRR have put together a nice page of charitable organizations (here) who are all working in the recovery effort. I made my donation this morning.
**Edit: Officials cancelled the NYC Marathon on Friday afternoon.** 

4. RUN DISNEY
Where has the fall gone? I can't believe Disney is less than a week away! My little girls are so excited for their first trip to DisneyWorld (so are mommy and daddy).  The kids are both signed up to run the official kids race. My hubby will run the 5K event during the day, and I'll be at the starting line for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon. It's a night race, so that will be a new experience for me. I plan to run Disney at training pace and just have fun in the wonderful world of Disney. No time expectations. Lots of pictures and smiles. Now for a costume... still stumped there. Any ideas?

5. CUPCAKE CLASSIC SHIRTS
The second and final batch of "Run and Eat Cupcakes" shirts were shipped out yesterday. There are a few extras available yet. Please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net if you are interested in snagging one of the final shirts available. I will fulfill orders on a first come, first serve basis. Thanks!

Short Sleeve $20: Small (2)

Long Sleeve $25:  X-Small (1)

+$3.00 shipping if you are not local for pickup

Happy Friday!

Good Luck to everyone racing this weekend!